Zambia Accelerates Solar Expansion with Launch of 100 megawatt Solar Plant

Zambia has launched its largest grid-connected solar power plant to date as part of an ambitious drive to diversify its energy sources amid an intensifying regional power crisis caused by drought.

President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday inaugurated the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project, constructed by PowerChina International Group Limited and financed by Stanbic Bank and Zambia’s power utility Zesco Limited. Located in Chisamba District, the $100 million plant will supply power to copper giant First Quantum Minerals, freeing up national grid capacity for ordinary Zambians.

“This drought has taught us a tough but necessary lesson. We must diversify our energy mix urgently,” President Hichilema said during the commissioning. “Solar energy is not just an alternative; it’s a necessity.”

The Chisamba project is part of Zambia’s broader energy diversification strategy, which seeks to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to the national grid by the end of 2025. The country currently relies heavily on hydropower, which has been severely impacted by declining water levels in key reservoirs.

Expansion Plans and Bilateral Partnerships

The Chisamba site is expected to double its output, with plans already underway for a second phase to add another 100MW. The first phase includes a 33/132-kV step-up substation and the expansion of an existing substation to improve grid integration.

The event was also attended by Chinese and Zambian government officials, reflecting growing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Wang Li, counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Lusaka, stated, “Our partnership in energy is deepening under our strategic cooperation framework. China stands ready to support Zambia’s clean energy ambitions.”

Mailo Solar Plant Adds 25MW to Grid

In another development, Zesco announced that the Mailo Solar PV Power Plant in Serenje District has successfully added 25MW to the national grid. Developed in partnership with Solar Century Africa, the Mailo project is expected to reach a capacity of 110MW upon full completion.

Sitting on 204 hectares in Chief Mailo’s chiefdom, the Mailo Solar project is advancing rapidly. According to Gondai Munyama, Project Manager at Solar Century Africa, phase two construction begins this September, with phase three — a 50MW component — scheduled for completion in 2027.

“Not only have we verified the plant’s design, but we’ve also ensured seamless integration into the national grid,” said Brian Kanyanga, Zesco’s Head of Renewables. “Solar is intermittent, so reliability and stability are key to our rollout strategy.”

Private Sector Mini-Grids Transform Rural Access

In addition to large-scale projects, Zambia is expanding off-grid access through mini-grids. The Zambia Energy Demand Stimulation Incentive (ZEDSI) programme, backed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and The Rockefeller Foundation, has awarded over $1.1 million to companies including OnePower Zambia, Renwasol/Solar23, and Engie Energy Access Zambia.

These funds will support the development of 43 solar mini-grids aimed at serving more than 7,000 people in rural and underserved communities. The initiative contributes to Zambia’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, with plans to electrify 1,000 communities.

With rural electrification in Zambia still at 34%, and in some African regions as low as 18%, the mini-grid programme is seen as a critical component of addressing both infrastructure deficits and socio-economic inequalities.

A Pan-African Model for Renewable Growth

Zambia’s solar drive places the nation at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition. Faced with increasing climate variability, the Southern African nation is fast emerging as a regional model for resilience, innovation, and green growth.

As President Hichilema emphasised, “This is not just about Zambia. It’s about creating energy security for our people, our industries, and future generations across Africa. We must lead by example.”